Review: Undaunted by Ronnie Douglas

Publish Date: September 15, 2015

Trade Paperback {p.352}

Genre: New Adult

Series: Knights in Black Leather #1

Source: Publisher

Aubrey Evans, Zion

Being fearless has never looked so good...

Aubrey Evans needs to get her life back on track after her father is indicted for embezzlement. All she has to do to hightail it out of small-town Tennessee is save up money for college tuition and steer clear of hard-muscled boys on motorcycles. Yet there's no ignoring someone like Zion. A knight in black leather, Zion looks like every bad idea she's been told to avoid, but she can't resist him. Whenever she's in trouble, he's there. Appealing as his rough exterior may be, it's the protective, principled man beneath who tempts her like crazy.

Zion knows Aubrey doesn't intend to stick around. She claims to want only friendship, but he senses there's a naughty girl hiding on the inside—one whose intense desires match his own. For now, he'll be patient and play by her rules. But he knows it's just a matter of time before he weakens her resolve.

As they join forces to figure out who's behind a local crime spree, it's clear that the danger goes deeper than Aubrey guessed. And when she needs someone tall, dark, and undaunted to keep her safe, Zion intends to be there—now and always.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. With that, I must say at times however, I did not like Aubrey. Who in their right mind does some of the things she did within the first couple of pages of the book with complete strangers. I almost gave up on this book with just that behavior alone. She definitely lost points with me with that behavior from that point on. I often wondered why Zion even bothered.

Zion I liked. His story or struggle with the MC is what kept me involved with the story. His chemistry with Aubrey was lacking in my opinion, and often felt forced for the sake of the story. I didn't buy what they were selling with "romance" between these two.

Zion's relationship with the MC president was also a head-scratcher. Yet another element to the story I could have done without. These guys are suppose to be all about brotherhood and having each other's back, but that whole situation with Zion and the MC was a complete and total mess. That was no kind of brotherhood in my opinion toward Zion from the MC or the other members surrounding the worst kept secret. Ellen and Dash, Aubrey's BFF and Zion's cousin, now that relationship seemed promising.

Review: Chained by Night by Larissa Ione

Publish Date: September 30, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.}

Genre: Paranormal

Series: MoonBound Clan Vampire #2

Source: Publisher

Aylin, Hunter

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

 

It took me some time to get into this story, and when I did, it seemed to drag on in parts a bit unnecessarily. With that said, I still enjoyed the majority of the book. I really liked the interaction between Aylin and Hunter. All her live she'd been below everyone else in the pecking order, but when she was with Hunter you would never know it. She spoke her mind with Hunter, without fear of reprimand.

The chemistry between the two of them pretty much began at first sight of each other. Even with that being the case, I never felt that their chemistry was forced. Hunter was a great leader for the clan in the aspect that everyone was equal, no one person was better than the other because of issues beyond their control. 

I am interested to see how the clan progresses, especially Nicole and Riker and Myne. Outside of Aylin and Hunter, they were the ones I became most invested in. Sam was also an interesting character. He was not at all what I was expecting. The overall series seems promising, but it's not one that I'll be impatiently waiting for.

Breathe by Kristen Ashley ~ Launch Day Blitz & Review

Publish Date: August 26, 2014

Mass Market Paperback {p.610}

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Colorado Mountain #4

Source: Publisher

Faye Goodknight, Chace Keaton
 

There's nothing like the first time...

In Carnal, Colorado, Faye Goodknight is the town's quiet, shy librarian. She may also be Carnal's last remaining virgin. For years, Faye has had a crush on Chace Keaton, but the gorgeous cop has always been unattainable. She's resigned to live contentedly with only her books for company-until Faye suddenly meets Chace alone in the woods...

Chace doesn't think he's the good guy everyone believes him to be. He's made a lot of choices he regrets, including denying his feelings for Faye. Through his choices, he's come to believe the pretty librarian is too good for him, but after their time in the woods, Chace realizes that she may be his last chance for redemption. Soon, their long simmering desires grow to a burning passion. Yet always casting a shadow over their happiness is Chace's dark past...

I was a bit unsure if I was going to like Chace because of the way he was behaving toward Faye in the first couple of chapters. I wasn't sure how they were going to make it as a couple with him referring to her by calling her "fat ass" in not in the Kim K kind of way. Chace couldn't possible do worse than that to her, right? Wrong. She truly stuck it out for him, because it steadily got worse before it got better.

I never really developed a true connection with either of Faye or Chace. Plus, there didn't really seem to be a connection between them either. Their story just seemed to drag on entirely too long, with nothing truly happening. I did like Faye's family; they were a delightful treat.

Yet again I found myself re-reading sentences in an effort to make heads or tails of them. I just don't understand why it seems so difficult to structure a sentence. I just gave up on the last third of the book or so. It was just too long-winded with very little plot.

 

 

 

About the author:

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake. Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up.  And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

 

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Review: Tease by Sophie Jordan

Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.320}
Genre: New Adult
Source: Publisher
Emerson, Shaw

What happens when a girl who always calls the shots meets a guy who's too wild for even her?

A born flirt and good-time party girl, Emerson has never had a problem finding a willing guy. She's always chosen her hookups carefully, and she's never broken her three cardinal rules:

Never let them see the real you.
Never fall in love.
Always leave them begging for more.

Then Shaw comes along. A hottie from the wrong side of the tracks, he's immune to her flirtatious banter and come-hither smile. After rescuing her from a disastrous night at a biker bar, he doesn't even try to take her to bed—he calls her a tease and sends her home instead. Unable to resist a challenge, or forget the sexy, dark-eyed, bad-boy biker, she vows to bring him to his knees.

But instead of making Shaw beg, Emerson finds herself craving him. For the first time in her life, she's throwing out her rule book. Suddenly, she's the one panting for a guy she can't control—a guy who won't settle for anything less than the real Emerson and who forces her to do things she's never imagined, including facing a past she thought she'd buried.

A guy who just might leave her wanting more...

I so wanted to love this book, because I loved FOREPLAY, but I just couldn't. Emerson just annoyed me throughout the bulk of the book. Which is disappointing, because I adored Shaw.

Shaw is the strong silent type. He tends to be able to read people very well, which is what Emerson needed. He and Reese are very similar in their strong, rock-solid character. At times I felt Shaw deserved better than Emerson, that he should be with someone more like her roommate Georgia.

Emerson had been through something traumatic in her past that lead her to put up this party girl facade that was not true and down right irritating at times. I'm just not a fan women how actively seek out the reputation of being loose or without sexual morals. And her treatment of Shaw didn't win her any points with me either. Some points throughout, I just wanted to give up on this book and wanted Shaw to give up on Emerson. I stuck with it because I wanted to see what was cause her bad behavior. I already had some ideas to what it was, but I stuck it out for confirmation. And for some reason, when I read what happened, it felt very familiar, like I had read this plot-line before.

Shaw, and Emerson's roommate Georgia, were by far my favorites in this installment. I'm hoping that Georgia's story will be much better than Emerson's.

Review: The Redemption of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

Publish Date: July 30, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.375}
Genre: New Adult
Series:  The Coincidence #2
Source: Personal Library
Callie Lawrence, Kayden Owens

The dark secret Kayden has kept hidden for years is out. Worse, he's facing charges for battery. The only way he stands a chance against the charges is if Callie speaks up, something he'll never ask her to do.

Callie knows Kayden is going back to his dark place and desperately wants to save him. But saving him means admitting her secrets aloud. Callie and Kayden are stronger than they think, especially when they're together. Together they move forward, face their demons, and finally start to heal from their traumatic pasts.

I didn't enjoy The Redemption as much as I enjoyed The Coincidence. For one, The Redemption seemed to drag on and on about nothing until the last four to five chapters where it was rushed to wrap it all up. I just kept wanting the author to get to the secret reveal, and when she did, it fell kind of flat for me. I did suspect that her dad would be the one she would go to about it because her mother and brother were both too far up the enemy's a** in this book and the previous one.

Also, I didn't like Seth so much in this one. In The Coincidence he was among my favorites of the supporting characters, but this time he just seemed way too pushy for me. Luke was still his strange self, but he grew on me more in this installment.

Kayden started to irritate me a bit with the back forth he was doing with Callie. One minute he was all over her and the next he just wanted them to be friends. I just wanted him to pick a side and stick.

I just started losing interest in them and their situations. Nothing was being resolved and no one was paying for their acts. Nothing just stood out and made this a fantastic read for me. I will most likely continue forward with Luke's story at some point, but I'm in no big rush to do so.

Review: Twisted by Emma Chase

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Trade Paperback {p.241}
Genre: New Adult
Source: Publisher
Katherine Brooks, Drew Evans

When spontaneous and carefree meets cautious and responsible, falling in love can get just a little Twisted

There are two kinds of people in this world: the ones who look first, and the ones who leap. I've always been more of a looker. A planner. Cautious. Then I met Drew Evans. He was so persistent. So sure of himself. He made it easy to leap with him.

Did you think Drew and I were going to ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after? So did I. But life is about choices, and Drew already made his. In fact, he tried to decide for the both of us; but you know that's not my style. So I came back to Greenville, to spend some time alone . . . sort of.

Because old habits die hard, and sometimes you have to go back to where you began before you can move ahead again.

Where to begin. This whole sh*t-storm could have been prevented if only Kate had not lied. I was never a fan of Drew from the last installment, and this one didn't change my mind about him. If anything, it just cemented that indeed he and Kate are perfect for one another. I must agree with Kate's ex-boyfriend in that both Kate and Drew need some serious therapy.

Drew has always been the spoiled, jealous type that throws a tantrum when he doesn't get his way, so I didn't understand why Kate would take the lying approach with him when she knows exactly how he is. On cue, he lashes out at her trying to hurt her as badly as he perceives she's hurt him. They have a somewhat destructive type of relationship. When the story started, I liked Kate and Drew was tolerable, but when the lies from Kate started, both characters seemed to take a turn for the worse. Kate's immediate forgiveness of Drew was a bit much in that, yes it was a misunderstanding, but his way of handling these things is not okay and it didn't seem to be properly addressed. So what's to say that the next time they have a misunderstanding, he won't becoming a complete as*hole every time?

With all that, I must admit I did enjoy this one more than TANGLED. That could be because this one had less Drew and more Kate. The characters are very vivid, funny and well-written, I just don't tend to like them as people. Which is difficult for me to understand because I love all the secondary characters. Matthew, Delores, Alex, Carol, Billy, Mackenzie, etc.; just not Drew and sometimes not Kate. The author writes some really strong characters, so much so that you're not on the fence with them. You either love them or hate them.

I am however looking forward to reading Delores and Matthew's story next. These two, I've loved from the start.

Review: Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins

Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.457}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publicist
Colleen O'Rourke, Lucas Campbell

Does being nobody's fool mean that you're nobody's love?

Colleen O'Rourke is in love with love... just not when it comes to herself. Most nights, she can be found behind the bar at the Manningsport, New York, tavern she owns with her twin brother, doling out romantic advice to the lovelorn, mixing martinis and staying more or less happily single. See, ten years ago, Lucas Campbell, her first love, broke her heart... an experience Colleen doesn't want to have again, thanks. Since then, she's been happy with a fling here and there, some elite-level flirting and playing matchmaker to her friends.

But a family emergency has brought Lucas back to town, handsome as ever and still the only man who's ever been able to crack her defenses. Seems like maybe they've got some unfinished business waiting for them—but to find out, Colleen has to let her guard down, or risk losing a second chance with the only man she's ever loved.

I loved both Colleen and Lucas,in the beginning of the book, although I was a tad bit upset with Colleen after reading their back-story. She was so upset with Lucas for breaking her heart, but in my opinion it wasn't Lucas who broke her heart but her father. Colleen just took it out on Lucas instead of her father. After seeing how Colleen treated Lucas and how she handled the situation of their breakup, I have to say I sided with Lucas 100%. Sure, he probably should have said something to Colleen, but I understand why he didn't. Colleen thought her dad hung the moon, and who wants to be responsible for telling her otherwise.

When it came to Ellen, Lucas just seemed like he had checked out of their relationship. His heart just wasn't in it. I liked Ellen, she seemed a wonderful person, but Lucas just didn't love her enough. Where at times Colleen came across as being cocky and full of herself to the point of being annoying.

Lucas' uncle Joe, I felt snubbed him in the end. Maybe it's just me, but I felt Joe could have, should have, done better by Lucas. As far as his cousin Bryce, didn't like him one bit. I never understood why everyone just loved him. Sure, he may have been nice to look at, but the bus stopped there. He was about as deep as a mud puddle. I so thought Paulie deserved someone better than him. Plus Colleen was constantly trying to get Paulie to be the one to change to snag Bryce when it should have been the other way around. Bryce was the one who needed some major growing up to do.

This book started out as though it was going to be a five-star read for me, but around the end when it came to light what Colleen had done, I lost all respect for her. Her actions dropped this book to about a 3 for me. I just couldn't get past what she did. Lucas was able to forgive her, which is great for her, but she was irredeemable for me. Maybe if her actions were revealed earlier in the story and she had a chance to make amends, instead of it being revealed in the chapter before the last, where there is no time to turn her character around, maybe I could have rebuilt my image of her. But as it stands, Colleen is not one of my favorites. I know the characters are supposed to be flawed, and still find love, but there should be time for the reader to repair that love of the character, or don't make their flaws so insurmountable. To me, Colleen turned out to be more like her father than expected.

Although I would have liked to have seen the author address whatever became of the guys from Colleen's prom night,overall it was a funny, quick paced read which is to be expected from Higgins. She never disappoints when it come to the humor in her novels.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing Colleen's brother Conner find love, as well as Faith and Honor's brother Jack. I can't wait to see which ladies will have these two men toeing the line.

Review: Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers

Publish Date: January 31, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.344}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Swift River Valley #1
Source: Personal Library
Olivia Frost, Dylan McCaffrey

A wave of hope carries Olivia Frost back to her small New England home town nestled in the beautiful Swift River Valley.

She's transforming a historic home into an idyllic getaway. Picturesque and perfect, if only the absentee owner will fix up the eyesore next door.

Dylan McCaffrey's ramshackle house is an inheritance he never counted on. It also holds the key to a generations-old lost treasure he can't resist; any more than he can resist his new neighbor. Against this breathtaking landscape, Dylan and Olivia pursue long-buried secrets and discover a mystery wrapped in a love story; past and present.

The storyline is interesting enough to keep you occupied with the book. Which is great because the romance between Olivia and Dylan was somewhat lacking. Both are likable characters on their own, the just weren't that interesting as a couple.

Olivia's family has its issues. Said issues were never really addressed, just kinda passed over. By the end of the book, I still felt like I was missing something when it came to Olivia's sister and mother.

The parts of the book that went back into the past to tell the story of Grace, Olivia's elderly friend, I somewhat skipped over. That part just never really held my interest. The best parts of the book were Olivia's interactions with her friend from Boston, Marilyn. I was always hoping for more scenes of those two, because that was the only real "action" of the story. I wanted Olivia to get a backbone and stand up to Marilyn, but it never happened. I just kept waiting, and waiting...

Review: Forgotten Sins by Rebecca Zanetti

Publish Date: July 2, 2013
Kindle {p.384}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Sin Brothers #1
Source: Personal Library
Josie Dean, Shane Dean

His Secrets Can Destroy Her

From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true . . . until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked by the hospital calls: Shane has been found . . . at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there.

Her Love Can Save Him

Shane can't remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside—or who he even is—but he knows something isn't right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he's ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew—one who carries such a deadly secret?

The premise of this book is what drew me to it. Once I got started with it, I guess it fell a bit short of what I expected.

I found myself getting irritated with Josie a lot throughout the book. She kept professing how she could take care of herself and didn't need anyone, but a lot of the messes both she and Shane were in, was because of her. Most of the sticky situations could have been avoided had she just listened. Those reasons along made the story less enjoyable for me.

On the other hand, I loved Shane and his brothers, Nate and Matt. I will more than likely continue the series at some point, just to check in with the brothers. Hopefully, their female counterparts will be more likeable than Josie.

Review: Tangled by Emma Chase

Publish Date: August 2, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.232}
Genre: New Adult
Series: Tangled #1
Source: Publisher
Katherine Brooks, Drew Evans

Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed?

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating.

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life?

Can Drew Evans win at love?

Tangled is not your mother’s romance novel. It is an outrageous, passionate, witty narrative about a man who knows a lot about women…just not as much as he thinks he knows. As he tells his story, Drew learns the one thing he never wanted in life, is the only thing he can’t live without.

I had a hard time staying focused with this one. The author's writing style kept distracting me from the story. I found the whole, "see that guy there," and "back to the story" aspects of the book to be rather annoying. I would get frustrated with all the side-talk and guy humor, as it seemed to take away from the overall story.

The premise of their workplace romance was a bit reminiscent of Beautiful Bastard at times, but that could be due do the fact I'd just recently read it. Drew is the handsome, wealthy playboy that falls for his smart, beautiful new associate. Kate, I liked from the beginning. Drew, not so much. I never really liked him or his view of women throughout the story. He did manage to endear himself to me during his few scenes with his four year old niece McKenzie. This is the Drew he should have been throughout the whole story. These were some of his best and funniest moments.

I know the story was being realistic because there truly are a lot of asshole guys out there. But I don't necessary find myself rooting for the asshole guy. By the end of the story, I liked Drew, but I didn't love him. I don't think I truly trusted him. He seemed more like the guy a girl goes to to get advice about the guys she's dating, but not the guy she would actually date herself.

In the end, I did want them to work it out. What woman doesn't love to see a woman be able to change a man?

Review: Whiteout & Rescued by Laura Harner

The immediate sex had by these three I didn't find very believable. There didn't seem to be any working up to it. They'd had a crush on Christina for years and then all of sudden they finally work up the nerve to act during a snowstorm?

The whole rapid progression of Cade and Carter's feelings for one another was also unrealistic. I'm not sure if I overlooked what finally got them to act on their feelings or if the author never addressed it. Either why, it was way too quickly. I didn't feel the chemistry or any kind of connection with these three.

I really enjoyed this one from the start. The chemistry between the three of them was immediately felt. The overall story was deeper than sex just for the sake of sex, which is always a plus. I only wish the story was longer so that it would have allowed for their relationship to fully develop.

I did think that Elizabeth seemed to get of her abuse rather quickly, which threw some wrenches into the overall believability of the story. Other than that, this is a good read for those looking for a bi-ménage.

Review: The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins

Publish Date: October 29, 2013
Kindle {p. 448}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Blue Heron #2
Source: Publisher
Honor Holland, Tom Barlow

Honor Holland has just been unceremoniously rejected by her lifelong crush. And now—a mere three weeks later—Mr. Perfect is engaged to her best friend. But resilient, reliable Honor is going to pick herself up, dust herself off and get back out there…or she would if dating in Manningsport, New York, population 715, wasn't easier said than done.

Charming, handsome British professor Tom Barlow just wants to do right by his unofficial stepson, Charlie, but his visa is about to expire. Now Tom must either get a green card or leave the States—and leave Charlie behind.

In a moment of impulsiveness, Honor agrees to help Tom with a marriage of convenience—and make her ex jealous in the process. But juggling a fiancé, hiding out from her former best friend and managing her job at the family vineyard isn't easy. And as sparks start to fly between Honor and Tom, they might discover that their pretend relationship is far too perfect to be anything but true love….

I hated Honor's BFF Dana on sight. This even before it came to light what a total B she was. It was just something about her I just didn't trust.

I wanted to like Tom, but is love affair with booze wouldn't let me. Sure he had his great moments, but that didn't manage to be enough for me to turn a blind eye to his drinking. I know he was going through some things with his "unofficial stepson" but that still wasn't reason enough to excuse his behavior. I did sympathize with what he was going through, but I couldn't justify his behavior.

I wanted better for Honor than Tom. I felt she need a man that was stronger than the man Tom was. Not stronger physically, but stronger emotionally. He came through in the end, but I didn't love him like I loved Levi or my all-time favorite Higgins hero Callahan.

Honor's relationship with her "friend" she sometimes sleeps with, was just odd all around. He didn't really seem to treat her any differently than if she was just one of the guys, only he was sleeping with her. I found it very hard to believe that she went along/put up with this for so many years. Honor is the workaholic, intimidating one of the family, but when it came to Brogan, she had no backbone. Even after everything came out. That lost her some points as well.

I am curious to see who will star in the next installment of this series, Honor's brother of her nephew. Although this isn't my favorite Higgins novel, it's still worth a read.

Review: Drawn Together by Lauren Dane

Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.290}
Genre: Erotica
Series: Brown Siblings #6
Source: Personal Library
Raven Smith, Jonah Warner

Beauty is more than skin-deep…

Tattoo artist Raven Smith is blunt and hard, broken and jaded, dark and beautiful. While she doesn’t hide her painful past, she does keep a wall around her heart. She’s free sexually—but no one gets to the real Raven beneath the prickly exterior.

With a voice like smoke, Jonah Warner is a smooth-talking, highly successful attorney, with a body that should never be hidden by a suit. He’s the kind of man who never takes no for an answer and always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Raven. She’s a survivor, and he finds that incredibly alluring.

Jonah gets under her skin in a way Raven has never experienced. He makes her break all her rules—including her no-monogamy rule.

But when a figure from Raven’s past shows up at the tattoo parlor and drops a bomb into her life, their relationship will face the ultimate challenge…

I really enjoyed this book; especially meeting all the Warner brothers. I hope they eventually get their own books, mainly Malachi. Unfortunately according to Ms. Dane's website that won't be happening, at least not anytime soon if at all.

Anyway, moving on... Raven didn't seem as bad as everyone made her out to be in the previous books. Jonah on the other hand, I never really figured out. He was likeable enough, more than likeable, but I didn't see him as the type to get a full back tattoo. I just seen him as the straight-laced lawyer type who was a little kinky in the bedroom. Plus, I didn't remember him as being that old. (Old enough to have a child heading to college.)

What I truly loved about Raven in this book is her interaction with all the Brown children and definitely her interaction with Jonah's daughter Carrie.

Raven and Jonah did seem to fall in love rather quickly and never seemed to have any kind of arguments or disagreements. That took away from the believability of the overall story. Who gets along all the time with no disagreements whatsoever? Jonah was just a bit too perfect, and not at all who I would have seen pick someone like Raven. But the two of them seem to make it work. With all the Brown siblings finished now, and no Warner siblings books on the horizon, I wonder if we'll ever see what becomes of them. I'd like to know if they have kids of their own, because Raven seems to be great with kids so it would be nice if she had some of her own.

The secondary characters were great  and at times more interesting than the lead two. From reading this one, I think I enjoyed the Warner family more than the Browns or the ladies of Delicious series. Even Jonah's grandmother was enjoyable to read. The only bad thing I can think of about this book is that it left me wanting more of these people, but this is the last installment so there is no more.

Review: Three to Ride & Two to Love by Sophie Oak

I really enjoyed the twins, but I felt Rachel should have been honest with at least Max upfront since she claimed to be in love with them. With love should come at least some trust, but the fact that she still withheld important information made me question her love.

Other than that issue, I enjoyed this read. I'll continue the series to see what happens with the town residents. They seem like a great bunch of people.

This one, not so much. I was not able to recover any kind of like for Callie after her stunt at the biker bar. She just had a lot of TSTL moments. I never warmed up to Nate. He was not an endearing character whatsoever. The overall relationship would have been fine without him.

This menage was definitely one of those where one party is truly not needed.

Review: Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille

Publish Date: September 3, 2013
Trade Paperback {p. 349}
Genre: BDSM
Source: Publicist
Makayla Delaney, Max "Torment" Huntington

He scared me. He thrilled me. And after one touch, all I could think about was getting more…

Makayla never thought she’d set foot in an underground mixed-martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it’s these guys. Trouble is, at her first sight of the club’s owner she’s the one feeling breathless.

All sleek muscle and restrained power, the man they call Torment plays to win at any cost. Whether it’s in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when to use a soft touch and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he’s about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined…

Going into this book, I thought I would be reading a contemporary romance. Once I got into it, it read like a new adult novel, then turned into BDSM. So I'm still a bit confused as to how to classify the book, but I did enjoy it.

It was quite a funny read, which I was not expecting at all. When I wasn't laughing at Makayla and Max, I was upset with his very demanding ways. He was walking a very fine line of being too much to remain a likeable character. At times I thought Makayla should cut her losses and move on because he was so controlling. Most of the time, he came across as looking like a complete ass.

Both Makayla and Max suffered some pretty horrible things in their childhood, which left huge emotional scars on their adulthood. With that being said, I was left feeling that both characters could have used a lot more maturing. It seemed them were always fighting about something.

I truly enjoyed all the secondary/background characters. That is until one them, Makayla's BFF Amanda, went and dragged Makayla into something totally stupid. So by the end of the book, Amanda was the only secondary character I didn't care for. But even with that, I'm so looking forward to reading the next installment, which is Amanda's story with Jake. I loved Jake more than I hated Amanda; I loved Jake more than Makayala and Max.

Review: Because of Low by Abbi Glines

Publish Date: February 7, 2012
Hardcover {p. 290}
Genre: Young Adult
Series: Sea Breeze #2
Source: Public Library
Willow Foster, Marcus Hardy

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His dear ol' dad found himself a girlfriend only a few years older than Marcus. So now his sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head who sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage York.

Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus Hardy’s twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there. Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may use his small college baseball star persona to sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption for both Cage and Low. Until his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected. He’ll have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice.

The story played out a little predictably when I heard both Marcus and Willow's family situation. Before it ever came out in the story, I already knew how it was going to play out.

I ended up hating Low's sister Tawny on sight. The way Tawny treated her sister and her own daughter, I found it very difficult to believe anyone would voluntarily chose to be with her.

Low and Cage's relationship was that of a brother and sister to me even though Cage claimed to that he was going to marry her one day. Still, I continued to wonder if maybe Cage's feelings for Low were more than that of a brother even with all his sleeping around. He would drop everything for her, and seemed to be the only one who could reach her during her panic attacks.

Marcus, I liked, but never really loved. Sure he came across as a nice guy. He was from a well-to-do family but was never a snob about it. What truly bothered me about Marcus was that he claimed to love Low, but automatically assumed the worst of her and refused to listen to any explanation from her.

I felt both characters were in need of a bit more maturing. They read more of that of early high school (freshman or sophomore) students than that of college students.

Review: Losing It by Cora Carmack

Publish Date: October 15, 2012
Kindle {p. 204}
Genre: New Adult
Series: Losing It #1
Source: Personal Library
Bliss Edwards, Garrick Taylor

Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, Bliss Edwards decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible - a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

The premise seemed somewhat immature in the fact that Bliss was willing to sleep with some random guy just to lose her virginity. The fact that she didn't follow through with this ridiculous plan, saves the story.

The interactions and conversations between Garrick and Bliss were at times hilarious. I really enjoyed them together as a couple. Their story was straightforward without all the drama and conflict, which is a plus in my opinion, which I know some readers prefer the conflict to make the story more believable. Losing It didn't need all the conflict and drama to be believable or enjoyable, it was both without all of that. Although at times Garrick did come across as being too perfect.

The storyline moved along at a quick pace, that kept me involved with the characters and invested in their outcomes. The ending was a bit abrupt, but the epilogue helped that somewhat.

Review: Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller

Publish Date: August 27, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p.376}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Parable, Montana #5
Source: Publisher
Brylee Parrish, Zane Sutton

Wedding bells are ringing in Parable, Montana, but Brylee Parrish hasn't enjoyed the sound since being jilted at the altar by Hutch Carmody. She's over Hutch now, and running a multimillion-dollar business is challenging enough for this country gal. So she should avoid falling head-over-boot-heels for A-list actor Zane Sutton. He's come home to his rodeo roots, but Hollywood lured him away once and just might again. Yet everything about him, from his easy charm to his concern for his young half brother, seems too genuine to resist....

Zane didn't come to Parable for love-but count on a spirited woman to change a jaded cowboy's mind. Problem is, Brylee's not convinced he's here to stay. Good thing he's determined to prove to her, kiss by kiss, that she's meant to be his bride.

Zane and Brylee had an instant connection. They were immediately attracted to one another upon meeting, although it took them a while before acting on that attraction.

The one thing that I did find fault with, was that Brylee upon meeting Zane was now cured of her funk/depression of previously being left at the alter. This connection with Zane seemingly brought her back to life. I felt that a another man giving her meaning in place of the other was a little off.

The secondary characters in this installment were just as good as the previous secondary characters, but Zane's little brother Nash stood out the most. I really enjoyed this character and hope to see him grow as the series progresses. Zane's other brother, Landry, was and odd character. I'm not sure how he's going to be hero material for the next installment.

The ending felt a lot rushed. It was like six months compressed into one chapter. That was a big let down because I would have liked to see more of Brylee and Zane's courtship after they starting dating. Not just them dancing around each other leading up to their dating.

Review: Hotshot by Julie Garwood

Publish Date: August 6, 2013
Kindle {p. 368}
Genre: Suspense
Source: Publisher
Peyton Lockhart, Finn McBain

Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.

It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again. Julie’s previous two titles, The Ideal Man and Sweet Talk, both debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list.

I loved Finn and Peyton from the very beginning. I thought they had a very sweet relationship when they were children, and I was eager to see how it progressed once they became adults. The relationship between Peyton and Finn was the major draw that kept me going with this one.

The overall romance side of the novel was it's shinning glory. I loved the interaction not only between Finn and Peyton, but that of her sister Lucy and Christopher. Although as a reader, I wish we could gotten to know Christopher a little better. The fight/arguing those two did the majority of the time they were together was fun to watch.

Now on the side of the suspense, it was all that suspenseful. It didn't really add anything to the story other than a need for Peyton to call on Finn. The whole situation with Peyton and her previous employer and that of her cousin Debi, just seemed ridiculous. Debi should have never been allowed anywhere near the business no matter how much of a tantrum she threw. And her ex-employer was just plan stupid.

I love Julie Garwood's contemporary novels, but this one wasn't one of my favorites. I loved it for Peyton and Finn, and they will rank among some of my favorite Garwood couples, but the suspense storyline feel short for me.

Review: The Submissive by Tara Sue Me



Publish Date: February 7, 2013
Kindle {p. 304}
Genre: BDSM, Erotica
Source: NetGalley
Abby King, Nathaniel West

Abby King has a secret fantasy.

New York knows Nathaniel West as the brilliant and handsome CEO of West Industries, but Abby knows he’s more: a sexy and skilled dominant who is looking for a new submissive. Yearning to experience a world of pleasure beyond her simple life as a librarian, Abby offers herself to Nathaniel, to fulfill her most hidden desires.

After only one weekend with the Master, Abby knows she needs more, and fully submits to Nathaniel’s terms. But despite the pleasure he takes in Abby’s willing spirit, the Nathaniel hidden behind the rules remains cold and distant.

As Abby falls deeper into his tantalizing world of power and passion, she fears that Nathaniel’s heart may be beyond her reach—and that her own might be beyond saving…

To me The Submissive is a better written version of 50 Shades. People rave about that book, I however never finished it because the writing was just that bad. So I like to think this was what E.L. was trying to get across to her readers.

Abigail wanted to be submissive, but only to Nathaniel. To me their relationship was a bit cold and clinical, but that could just be the way D/s relationships are. He showed her no affection or warmth but he was always saying how it was his responsibility to take care of her. To me that would entail her emotional care as well.

He does come around in the end so that helped. Even though he was cold and detached, I never disliked him. I never felt that that he humiliated her any way. They had some very hot times, as well as some times that I wouldn't go for, but to each their own.

As far as the secondary characters go, I didn't care for Abby's BFF Felicia. she seemed very annoying. Scenes with her I tended to want to skip over them. But other than that, I enjoyed the read once I removed myself from the characters and just read it like I was on the outside watching instead of being a part of the characters living it.